U.S. patent number 10,332,428 [Application Number 15/637,565] was granted by the patent office on 2019-06-25 for wrap-around expanded content label.
This patent grant is currently assigned to CCL LABEL, INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is CCL Label, Inc.. Invention is credited to James L. Lowry, Glen Edward Matheny, Mary DeShea Morgan, John William Walton, III, Charles G. Woods.
![](/patent/grant/10332428/US10332428-20190625-D00000.png)
![](/patent/grant/10332428/US10332428-20190625-D00001.png)
![](/patent/grant/10332428/US10332428-20190625-D00002.png)
![](/patent/grant/10332428/US10332428-20190625-D00003.png)
![](/patent/grant/10332428/US10332428-20190625-D00004.png)
![](/patent/grant/10332428/US10332428-20190625-D00005.png)
United States Patent |
10,332,428 |
Morgan , et al. |
June 25, 2019 |
Wrap-around expanded content label
Abstract
A wrap-around expanded content label includes a base label free
of adhesive, a booklet on the base label, and an overlaminate
having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on an underside thereof.
The overlaminate overlies and adheres to the booklet, and opposite
lateral portions of the overlaminate extend beyond the edges of the
booklet to adhere to the base label. One lateral portion of the
overlaminate is substantially permanently bonded to the base label
adjacent a bound edge of the booklet. The other lateral portion of
the overlaminate is resealably bonded to the base label adjacent a
free lateral edge of the booklet.
Inventors: |
Morgan; Mary DeShea (Memphis,
TN), Matheny; Glen Edward (Collierville, TN), Woods;
Charles G. (Ashland, MS), Lowry; James L. (Collierville,
TN), Walton, III; John William (Memphis, TN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CCL Label, Inc. |
Framingham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CCL LABEL, INC. (Framingham,
MA)
|
Family
ID: |
64739137 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/637,565 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190005851 A1 |
Jan 3, 2019 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F
3/04 (20130101); G09F 3/0289 (20130101); G09F
2003/0272 (20130101); G09F 2003/0251 (20130101); G09F
2003/0222 (20130101); G09F 2003/0252 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09F
3/02 (20060101); G09F 3/04 (20060101); G09F
3/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Junge; Kristina N
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Warner Norcross and Judd LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A continuous roll of uncut wrap-around expanded content labels,
each expanded content label comprising: a base label having upper
and lower surfaces, the lower surface being free of adhesive, the
upper surface having first and second portions, the upper surface
first portion being free of a release coating, the upper surface
second portion including a release coating, the base label having a
longitudinal direction between first and second opposed edges, the
base label being uninterrupted in the longitudinal direction
between the first and second opposed edges; a booklet having
longitudinally opposed bound and free lateral edges, the booklet
having a top sheet and a base sheet, the base sheet engaging but
not adhered to the base label upper surface, whereby the base sheet
is free to move laterally with respect to the base label; and an
overlaminate having first and second lateral portions and upper and
lower surfaces, the lower surface of the overlaminate including
pressure-sensitive adhesive, the overlaminate overlying and adhered
to the top sheet of the booklet, the first and second lateral
portions extending beyond the bound edge and free edge respectively
of the booklet, the first lateral portion of the overlaminate
overlying the base label and engaging the upper surface first
portion of the base label, the first lateral portion of the
overlaminate being substantially permanently bonded to the upper
surface first portion of the base label adjacent the bound lateral
edge of the booklet, the second lateral portion of the overlaminate
overlying the base label and engaging the upper surface second
portion of the base label, the second lateral portion of the
overlaminate being resealably bonded to the upper surface second
portion of the base label adjacent the free lateral edge of the
booklet.
2. The continuous roll of uncut wrap-around expanded content labels
of claim 1 wherein the booklet top sheet has a tab extending from
the free edge and under the second portion of the overlaminate, to
facilitate opening of the booklet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to labels, and more particularly to
expanded content labels configured to wrap around a curved
surface.
Expanded content labels provide a simple and effective means for
securing relatively large amounts of printed information to a
product or its packaging. They often replace leaflets and other
materials otherwise packaged with products. A typical expanded
content label (ECL) includes a booklet or leaflet that is either
secured directly to the product or to a base label that is in turn
secured to the product. The booklet is pre-printed with information
such as instructions, product warnings, or ingredients.
A challenge is presented when expanded content labels are applied
to curved surfaces, such as cans or bottles. An expanded content
label has thickness, and consequently the layers have different
radii of curvature when the label is mounted on a curved surface.
Typically, the layers are intersecured in at least one of the
longitudinal and lateral directions. Consequently, at least one of
the layers may buckle or wrinkle when one attempts to secure the
label to a can or bottle. This effect can prevent the label from
being smoothly secured to the can or bottle, presenting an
unsightly and otherwise unacceptable situation. In addition, the
strain on the booklet may cause the label to pop open or to peel
away from the container.
Another common type of label is a simple "glue-label" or
"glue-applied label." Used widely in the canned food industry, a
glue-applied label typically includes a single layer of printed
paper adhered to a surface using a traditional "sheet fed"
manufacturing process. Conventional glue, such as a hot melt
adhesive, is used to secure the label to the container, can,
bottle, etc. Glue-applied labels are considered to be the least
expensive to produce and apply of all container labels and are
therefore preferred for high volume applications.
Adding booklets and leaflets to traditional glue-applied labels
could add information to labels. However, adding a booklet or
leaflet to a glue-applied label applied to a curved or cylindrical
surface presents the problems noted above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The noted problems are addressed by the present invention providing
an expanded content label that enables the entire label to readily
conform to a curved surface. The present wrap-around ECL permits
the label, including the booklet, to more effectively move and
conform to the curved surface.
In one embodiment, the wrap-around ECL includes a base label free
of adhesive, a booklet, and an overlaminate having a pressure
sensitive adhesive layer on an underside thereof. The overlaminate
overlies and adheres to the booklet, and first and second lateral
portions of the overlaminate extend beyond the edges of the booklet
and adhere to the base label. The first lateral portion of the
overlaminate is substantially permanently bonded to the base label
in the area adjacent a bound edge of the booklet to provide a hinge
between the booklet and the base label. The second lateral portion
of the overlaminate is resealably bonded to the base label in the
area adjacent a free lateral edge of the booklet, enabling the
booklet to be opened.
The base label may include a release coating in at least the area
of the second lateral portion of the overlaminate to provide the
releasability.
The booklet may include a base sheet not adhered to the base label.
This arrangement enables the base sheet to move and conform to a
curved surface to reduce buckling or wrinkling when the label is
wrapped around a curved container.
A method of manufacturing and applying a wrap-around ECL includes
providing a continuous web of base label stock to form a plurality
of base labels having upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface
being free of adhesive; placing a booklet on the upper surface of
the base label; applying an overlaminate having adhesive on a lower
surface thereof, the overlaminate overlying and adhering to the
booklets and the base label; die cutting the overlaminate and the
booklets; and stripping the resulting waste matrix.
The wrap-around ECL reduces buckling and wrinkling.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will be
more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the entire
application including the specification, the claims, and the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wrap-around expanded content
label applied to a container;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wrap-around expanded content
label affixed to the container, illustrating a booklet of the label
partially open;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the wrap-around expanded content
label;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the wrap-around expanded
content label; and
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the wrap-around expanded
content label, illustrating the label as applied to a
container.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
I. Structure
A wrap-around expanded content label (ECL) 10 for use with a curved
or cylindrical container 12 in accordance with one embodiment is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The wrap-around expanded content label 10
includes an easy open, resealable booklet that is adapted for use
on curved surface, for example cylindrical consumer products such
as spray paint, pesticide spray, or other products provided in but
not limited to aerosol cans. The label 10 may include a multi-page
booklet and provides an all-in-one label useful for regulatory
information, coupons, and more. Of course, it should be understood
that the label 10 can also readily be applied to and used on a flat
container or surface.
The wrap-around expanded content label 10 includes a base label 14,
a booklet 16, and a protective overlaminate 18 adhered to both the
booklet 16 and the base label 14. The base label 14 may be provided
in a roll, strips, or sheets and has upper and lower surfaces 30
and 32, and first and second opposed edges 34 and 36. The distance
between the edges 34 and 36 defines a base label length that
enables the edges 34 and 36 to overlap and form a lap seal 38 when
the label 10 is wrapped around a container 12. The lower surface 30
of the base label 14 is free of adhesive and the base label 14 can
be manufactured from many materials, including polypropylene,
paper, plastic, foil, metals, and the like. The base label 14 may
also include indicia printed thereon. Additionally, the base label
14 includes an eye mark 39 (see FIG. 3) printed or otherwise marked
on the upper surface 30 and/or the lower surface 32 to mark and
trigger cutting the edge 34, 36 of the label 10 later in the
application process, as discussed below.
Booklet 16 is generally well known to those having skill in the ECL
art and may include a plurality of pre-printed pages that are
folded or bound together using conventional methods. The booklet 16
is pre-printed with product ingredients, directions, installation
instructions, product warnings, coupons, advertisements, and/or
other information. The booklet 16 overlies the upper surface 30 of
the base label 14 and includes longitudinally opposed bound and
free lateral edges 40 and 42, respectively. The booklet 16 includes
a top sheet 44 that has a tab 46 that extends from the free lateral
edge 42. To open the booklet 16, a user may lift the tab 46 to
unseal the top sheet 44 as described below.
The booklet 16 may include more one or more interior sheets 48 and
a base sheet 50. The free edges 42 of all booklet sheets, other
than the top sheet 44, are generally aligned with one another. The
free edge 42 of the top sheet 44 extends longitudinally beyond the
other sheets so that overlaminate 18 does not adhere directly to
the other sheets. The base sheet 50 is not adhered to the base
label 14. This enables the base sheet 50 to move and conform to a
curved surface and reduces buckling and wrinkling of the booklet 16
and/or base label 14, as described below. While the present
invention is described in conjunction with a booklet, other
constructions, such as leaflets, can be readily substituted
therefor.
Overlaminate 18 includes first and second lateral portions 60 and
62 and upper and lower surfaces 64 and 66. The lower surface 66 of
the overlaminate 18 includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 68
and the overlaminate 18 overlies and is adhered to the booklet 16.
Further, the first and second lateral portions 60 and 62 extend
laterally beyond the booklet 18 and overlie the base label 14. The
first lateral portion 60 of the overlaminate 18 is substantially
permanently bonded to the base label 14 in an area adjacent the
bound lateral edge 40 of the booklet 16. The second lateral portion
62 of the overlaminate 18 is resealably bonded to the base label 14
in an area adjacent the free lateral edge 42 of the booklet 16.
Overlaminate 18 may be a transparent material which enables viewing
of material printed on the top sheet 44 of the booklet 16. Suitable
materials and adhesives for the overlaminate 18 are well known to
those having ordinary skill in the ECL art. Optionally, the
overlaminate 18 may also include indicia printed thereon. Further,
any suitable adhesive may be used on the lower surface of the
overlaminate, and is not limited to pressure-sensitive
adhesive.
The wrap-around expanded content label 10 may include a release
coating 70 on the base label 14. The upper surface 30 of the base
label 14 is covered with a release coating 70 in at least the area
of the second lateral portion 60 of the overlaminate 18.
Optionally, the release coating 70 covers substantially the entire
upper surface 30 of the base label 14, but is void in the area of
the first lateral portion 60 of the overlaminate 18. The absence of
release coating 70 under the first lateral portion 60 of the
overlaminate 18 enables the overlaminate 18 to substantially
permanently bond to the base label 14.
The base label 14 includes release coating 70 under the second
lateral portion 60 of the overlaminate 18, adjacent the free
lateral edge 42 of the booklet 16, so that the overlaminate 18 is
resealably bonded to the base label 14 in this area. Additionally,
the booklet tab 46 extends over the release coating 70 so that the
booklet top sheet 44 and the second lateral portion 62 of the
overlaminate 18 can be unsealed to open the booklet 16. The release
coating or agent reduces the degree of adhesion between the
pressure sensitive adhesive 68 on the overlaminate 18 and the base
label 14, enabling the second lateral portion 62 of the
overlaminate 18 (and booklet top sheet 44) to be readily peeled
back while the first lateral portion 60 remains adhered to the base
label 14. Further, the release coating 70 may be applied in a
pattern in the area under the overlaminate second lateral portion
62, enabling the overlaminate 18 to be resealed to the base label
14 and the close the booklet 16. The release coating 70 may also be
either void or applied in a pattern in the area that will later
become the lap seal 38, so that the base label 14 will remain
affixed to itself once applied to a container. As is well known in
the art, a silicone material may be used as the release coating or
agent.
The wrap-around expanded content label 10 is configured to wrap
around a container 12. The label 10 is secured to the container 12
with adhesive (not shown) applied to the lower surface 32 of the
base label 14 at the time the label 10 is affixed to the container
12 during a typical roll-fed labeling manufacturing process. In one
exemplary use, the wrap-around expanded content label 10 is used on
curved consumer products such as spray paint, pesticide spray, or
other products typically provided in aerosol cans. Because the
booklet 16 is not adhered directly to the base label 14, the
booklet 14 is free to flex and conform to a curved surface. Placing
the booklet 14 over a non-adhesive area enables the booklet 14 to
conform to the surface without buckling and wrinkling.
II. Method of Production and Application
A method for producing the wrap-around expanded content label in
accordance with the above described embodiment will now be
described in connection with FIGS. 1-5. While it is possible to
produce labels one at a time, the presently preferred method is to
produce a plurality of labels on a continuous roll of completed
labels.
The method begins with a continuous web of base label stock that is
free of adhesive. A release coating 70 is applied to the upper
surface 30 of the base label 14. A void is provided in the release
coating 70 in the area that will align with the first lateral
portion 60 of the overlaminate 18 when later applied. Further, the
release coating 70 may be applied in a pattern, and optionally may
be applied in a pattern only in the area where the second lateral
portion 62 of the overlaminate 18 will align.
Next, the booklet 16 is aligned and placed on the upper surface 30
of the base label 14. No adhesive secures the booklet 16 to the
base label 14, enabling the booklet 16 to move freely with respect
to the base label 14, which is relevant when the completed label 10
is affixed to a curved surface.
Overlaminate 18 is applied directly over the base label 14 and
booklet 16 such that the adhesive 68 on the lower surface 66
adheres to the base label 14 and booklet 16. As illustrated in FIG.
4, adhesive 68 on the lower surface 66 of overlaminate 18 secures
the booklet 16 to the base label 14.
The assembly is die cut through the overlaminate 18 and booklet 16
down to, but not through the base material, using conventional
methods and the offal, or waste matrix, is stripped away to form
the finished overlaminate 18 and booklet 16. The release coating 70
on the base label 14 enables the overlaminate 18 to be removed from
the base label 14. This die-cutting step forms (1) finished edges
around the perimeter of the overlaminate and (2) finished edges on
the upper and lower longitudinal edges of the booklet 14. Of note,
the bound and free lateral edges 40 and 42 of the booklet 16 are
not die cut in this process. A continuous roll of wrap-around
expanded content labels 10 with uncut first and second edges 34 and
36 is supplied.
The continuous web of labels 10 is supplied to conventional label
application machinery in a conventional fashion. Roll-fed labels 10
are fed and cut in precise registration using the printed graphic
or eye mark 39 to form the first and second edges 34 and 36 of the
base label 14. The cutting machinery is triggered to cut by the eye
mark 39 on the base label 14. The cut label 10 is transferred to a
rotating vacuum drum and a hot melt adhesive is applied to the
label 10 using a rotating glue wheel. The adhesive is applied to
the lower surface 32 of the base label 14 along the horizontal
axis. Cut labels with adhesive are then applied to individual
containers which are rotated until the base label 14 overlaps
itself, to create the lap seal 38 and complete the label
application process. Of course, other manufacturing methods, glues,
glue patterns, etc. may be used to affix the label to a container,
including a container having a substantially flat surface.
The completed wrap-around expanded content label 10 facilitates
application of the label 10 to a curved surface, such as an aerosol
can 12 or bottle. As the label 10 "rolls" around the curved
container 12, the booklet 16 is free to move relative to the base
label 14 so that the booklet 16 is more flexible in conforming to
the curved shape. Consequently, the booklet 16 and label 10 readily
conform to the curved surface.
The above descriptions are those of current embodiments of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in
accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine
of equivalents. Any reference to elements in the singular, for
example, using the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said," is not to
be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
* * * * *